Divisions emerge as ICC targets Netanyahu and Hamas over war crimes

RFI

22 November 2024 at 10:20 am·1-min read

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denounced the ICC arrest warrant against him and his defence minister as "anti-Semitic" and "absurd and false".

World leaders have clashed over the International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes. France, a member of the ICC and a traditional ally of Israel, finds itself at a crossroads between respecting international law and facing its internal political divisions.

The warrants – issued late Thursday – mark the first time a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court of justice.

Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant are accused of "starvation as a method of warfare" by restricting humanitarian aid and targeting civilians during Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza since 7 October 2023.

Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif is accused of war crimes, including orchestrating the October attack on Israel and "sexual and gender-based violence" against hostages.

Israel said it killed Deif in July, but Hamas has not confirmed his death.

The ICC's 124 member states must arrest suspects on their territory, though the court has no power to enforce this.

France backs ICC after arrest warrant for Israeli, Hamas leaders

Mixed reactions

France and Germany, mindful of their historical ties to Israel, are treading carefully.

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Mixed reactions

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